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Ford Tractor production during World War II is a notable example of industrial maneuvering to bypass government price controls and adapt to severe material shortages.
While Ford’s automobile assembly lines halted completely in February 1942 to produce B-24 Liberators and tanks, tractor production continued because the U.S. government deemed agriculture essential to the war effort. However, Ford faced a dilemma: the Office of Price Administration (OPA) had frozen prices on existing products, meaning Ford could not raise the price of the 9N tractor despite rising wartime material costs.[^1]
The result was a strategic re-branding and a specialized military variant used on aircraft carriers.
1. The “2N” Price Loophole
The most significant event was the introduction of the Ford 2N in 1942. Mechanically, the 2N was nearly identical to the 9N introduced in 1939, but Ford designated it a “new” model to skirt OPA regulations.
- The Problem: Ford was losing money on every 9N produced due to the price freeze and inflation.[^2]
- The Solution: By releasing a “new” model, Ford could legally set a higher price point. The original 9N sold for approximately $585; the “new” 2N was priced at approximately $1,120.[^1][^3]
- The Name: The nomenclature followed Ford’s pattern of using the last digit of the introduction year: 9N (1939), 2N (1942), and later 8N (1948).[^3]
2. The “Warhorse” Restrictions
While the 2N was legally a “new” model, early versions were physically stripped-down due to the War Production Board’s strict rationing of strategic materials like copper and rubber. These austerity tractors are often nicknamed “Warhorses” by collectors.[^4]
If you bought a Ford tractor during the height of the restrictions (1942–1943), it featured significant downgrades:
- Steel Wheels: Rubber was reserved for military vehicles, so tractors were fitted with steel wheels featuring large lugs.[^5]
- Magneto Ignition: To save copper used in batteries and generators, Ford replaced the electrical system with a magneto and eliminated the electric starter.[^4]
- Hand-Crank Only: Without a battery or starter, the operator had to hand-crank the engine to start it.
- Steel Substitutions: Components previously made of aluminum or brass were stamped from steel to conserve non-ferrous metals.[^4]
Note: As supply chains relaxed later in the war, Ford began re-equipping the 2N with rubber tires and electric starters, making “pure” Warhorse models rare today.[^6]
3. The Ford Moto-Tug (B-NO)
Ford’s most direct tractor contribution to combat operations was the Moto-Tug (often designated B-NO-25 or B-NO-40).
The Navy needed a compact, heavy vehicle to maneuver aircraft on carrier decks. Ford modified the 2N chassis into a dedicated military tug:
- Modifications: These units featured heavy steel plate armor (adding weight for traction), dual rear wheels (on the B-NO-40), and hydraulic brakes—a feature not found on standard Ford tractors of the time.[^7]
- Performance: The “25” and “40” in the model names referred to their drawbar pull ratings (approx. 2,500 lbs and 4,000 lbs, respectively).[^7]
- Production: Estimates vary, with some sources citing limited numbers around 3,000 to 10,000 units produced for airfield and carrier use.[^8]
4. Impact on the Ford-Ferguson Partnership
The war years accelerated the collapse of the relationship between Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson. Although the 2N price hike improved revenue, Ford Motor Company accountants eventually determined that the tractor division was still losing money on the “handshake agreement.” This financial strain, exacerbated by the war economy, set the stage for Henry Ford II to abruptly terminate the agreement in 1947, leading to the famous lawsuit that followed.[^2]
References
[^1]: History of Ford N-Series Tractors. History of Ford N-Series Tractors. https://history-of-ford-n-series-tractors.pages.dev/
[^2]: Just8Ns. The History of Ford N-Series Tractors. https://www.just8ns.com/The-History-of-Ford-N-Series-Tractors.html
[^3]: The Ferguson Club. Ford 9N, 2N and 8N Tractors. https://www.fergusonclub.com/ford-9n-2n-and-8n-tractors/
[^4]: Squatch253 (YouTube). What makes a Ford 2N “Warhorse”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fjRZbEtzSc
[^5]: Broken Tractor. Ford 2N Tractor Specs. https://www.brokentractor.com/p/ford-2n-tractor-specs/
[^6]: BC Tractor Parts. Ford 2N Tractor History. https://www.bctractorparts.com/ford-2n-tractor.html
[^7]: WheelsAge. Ford 9N “Moto-Tug”. https://en.wheelsage.org/ford/n-series_tractors/ford_9n_moto-tug/pictures/mre7jt
[^8]: EWarbirds. 1942 Ford 9N (Moto-Tug). https://ewarbirds.org/vehicles/1942ford9n.shtml